Dartmoor Zoological Society
Devon Closing date for applications is: 25th Feb 2024
We are looking for an experienced keeper to join our fantastic animal care team. Depending on experience, this role will eventually enable you to work in all of the animal sections, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, hoof stock, wolves, tapir, gelada and cats (Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Leopard, Cheetah, Lynx, Scottish Wildcat).
Background
Dartmoor Zoo is set in 33 acres of beautiful wooded countryside on the edge of Dartmoor, in a small village called Sparkwell, just 20 minutes from the city of Plymouth. Plymouth itself has excellent travel links to the rest of the country and is known as the Ocean City.
The Charity, Dartmoor Zoological Society, operates Dartmoor Zoo. Our vision is to protect threatened species and enable people to help wildlife thrive. We aim to promote the conservation, care and breeding of wildlife and endangered species, encouraging and developing public interest in and awareness of the importance of ensuring the survival of species and the diversity of life. We aim to raise awareness and funds for animal conservation, welfare and education projects and to support conservation in the wild and across the world.
* Salary - dependent on experience
* Permanent contract
* Average 37.5 hours per week (rota basis)
* 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
* Enhanced sick absence, maternity, paternity and adoption leave
* Discounts in restaurant and shop
* Free zoo entrance for immediate family
* Free parking.
Job holder expectations
* Assist or lead in the daily management and care of all animals on a section, including all aspects of animal husbandry, cleaning, food preparation, and feeding, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, observations, medical treatment, and positive reinforcement training.
* Maintain organised written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality and behavioural observations.
* Have a positive attitude, and lead by example to other team members and volunteers, providing guidance and supervision where required.
* Engage enthusiastically with the public, and give animal experiences and talks when needed.
* Strict adherence to safe working practices.
* Maintain and develop your own knowledge, and undertake training where required.
Applicants must have:
* a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, with specific knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioural conditioning, or equivalent work experience.
* proven experience working with animals in a zoo setting.
* a basic understanding of all species within the collection.
* demonstrable discipline and have a history of a consistently high degree of work quality.
* an ability to work as part of a team and on their own.
* demonstrable initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the whole team.
* good written and oral communication skills.
* knowledge and experience of word processing and spreadsheet software.
* a basic knowledge of ZIMS.
* good health and be capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labour, and be able to work in all weather conditions.
* the ability to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays, on a rota basis.
* a full driving licence.
Apply for this job:
For the job pack and application form, please visit our website:
BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.
If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.
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